ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Defence
Department of Defence  holds Exhibition of Best Practices on Special Campaign 2.0 at Vigyan Bhawan
Unique technology of Border Roads Organization  using shredded plastic in bituminous road construction gets praise
The Department of Defence , the Ministry of Defence  held an Exhibition of Best practices on Special Campaign 2.0 at Vigyan Bhwan, New Delhi during Good Governance Week from 19th-25th Dec, 2022. A stall was also set up by DoD in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi in the exhibition
Under the Special Campaign 2.0, a cleanliness drive was undertaken for a total of 5922 such sites in respect of Department of Defence , MoD. Organizations under DoD viz. Canteen Stores Directorate [3500 Unit Run Canteens and 34 Depots], Border Roads Organization  [750 units/detachments], Sainik Schools [33], Directorate General of Defence Estates  [367 campaign sites including the Cantonments], Controller General of Defence Accounts  [1149 offices], Directorate General of Armed Forces Medical Services  [87 Military Hospitals] undertook the cleanliness drive with full vigour.
Border Roads Organization  deployed a unique technology of using shredded plastic in bituminous road construction. The technology was successfully used in 2.5 Km resurfacing on Balipara-Charduar-Tawang Road under Project Vartak, 1.0 Km on Roing-Koronu-Paya road under Project Udayak in Arunacahal Pradesh and 5.22 Km on Hnathial-Sangau-Saiha Road under Project Pushpak in Mizoram.
Border Roads Organization’s unique technology of using shredded plastic in the bituminous road construction was appreciated in the exhibition.
Special Service and Features
FCI South Zone invites applications for award of stipend to Meritorious sports persons for the year 2023-24
The Food Corporation of India  South Zone has been promoting sports by offering stipend to the young, upcoming talented sports personnel especially those belonging to backward rural areas.
Meritorious sports personnel belonging to Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamilnadu, Telangana, Puducherry, Lakshadweep & Andaman & Nicobar Islands in the age group of 15-18 and 18-24 years who may be a student / non-student from rural/urban areas for stipends in various disciplines for the year 2023-24 can apply for the following sports:
 Football , ii) Hockey , iii) Cricket , iv) Table Tennis , v)Shuttle Badminton , vi) Weightlifting , vii)Athletics , viii) Swimming .
For details, the applicants can visit our website www.fci.gov.in.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Undertrial Prisoners in Various Jails
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri G. KISHAN REDDY, in a written reply to a question regarding undertrial prisoners in Rajya Sabha today, said that the National Crime Records Bureau  compiles prison statistics in its publication “Prison Statistics India” and as of 2017, a total of 13,143 under trial prisoners have confinement of 3 to 5 years. He added that no survey had, however, been conducted in this regard by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Regarding the well-being of undertrial prisoners, the Minister said that ‘Prisons’ and ‘persons detained therein’ are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India and thus, administration and management of prisons is the responsibility of State Governments. He noted that however, the Ministry of Home Affairs had taken various steps to address the issues relating to undertrial prisoners. Section 436A has been inserted in the Code of Criminal Procedure, which provides for release of an under-trial prisoner on bail after undergoing detention for a period extending up to one-half of the maximum period of imprisonment specified for an offence under any law . He also said that the E-prisons portal provides the facility to State Jail authorities to access the data of inmates in a quick and easy mode which can assist them in identifying inmates whose cases are due for consideration by the Under Trial Review Committees and take up their cases appropriately.
The Minister also noted that State Legal Services Authority have also established Legal Service Clinics and have deployed Para Legal Volunteers at Police Stations, Front Offices, Jails and Child Welfare Centres with a view to provide free legal assistance to persons in need. He further noted that on directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, the National Legal Services Authority  had prepared a Standard Operating Procedure  for Under-Trial Review Committees and this SOP was circulated by the Ministry of Home Affairs to States and UTs on 18th February 2019. He added that the Model Prison Manual 2016 circulated to all States and UTs also has a Chapter on ‘Legal Aid’ which provides details of the facilities that may be provided to undertrials viz. legal defence, interview with lawyer, signing of Vakalatnama, application to Courts for legal aid at Government cost etc. He remarked that the Ministry of Home Affairs had also issued regular advisories to the States & UTs to adopt measures with a view to reducing overcrowding in prisons and addressing the issue of under-trials, which are available on website https://mha.gov.in/
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
BIS Raids Company that misuses ISI Mark on Packaged Drinking Water; Action initiated to file a case
Before making any purchase, ascertain genuineness of ISI Mark on the product; visit http://www.bis.gov.in or use BIS CARE Mobile App : BIS
Mumbai, 11th September 2021
Bureau of Indian Standards , Mumbai conducted an Enforcement Search and Seizure operation on 09th September 2021 at Bhiwandi, Thane to check the misuse of ISI Mark on “Packaged Drinking Water” as per IS 14543. During the raid at the premises of M/s. Mother Beverages, , misuse of the BIS Certification Mark  was found.
M/s. Mother Beverages has been found misusing BIS Mark by filling Potable Drinking Water without valid License and by using different CM/L.No-7200168205 & CM/L.No-3723560 with different brands such as ZIP Aqua, Oxy Clear, Reeha, ZEF Aqua, OXYREO. About 360 numbers of 1Litre Pet bottles and 852 numbers of 500ml Pet bottles as per IS 14543:2016 along with various kinds of lables/stickers were seized during the raid. The team of officials from BIS Mumbai were Shri. Arjun.T, Scientist-C & Shri. Nishikant Singh, Scientist-C
The misuse of BIS Standard Mark is punishable with imprisonment up to two years or a fine of minimum Rs. 2,00,000 or both as per BIS Act 2016. Action is being initiated to file a case in the court of law for the offence. It has been observed many times that fake ISI marked products are manufactured and sold to consumers for huge profit. Therefore, all are requested to ascertain the genuineness of ISI Mark on the product before making purchase, by visiting BIS website or by using BIS CARE Mobile Application.
Citizens are requested that in case they come across any instance of misuse of ISI Mark on any product, the same may be informed to the Head, MUBO-II, Western Regional Office, BIS, Manakalaya, E9, Behind Marol Telephone Exchange, Andheri , Mumbai - 400 093. Such complaints can also be made by E-mail at the address hmubo2@bis.gov.in. The source of such information will be kept confidential.
Source: Bureau of Indian Standards, Mumbai
Ministry of Defence
Golden Globe Race # GGR 2018
Commander Abhilash Tomy KC of the Indian Navy, representing India in the Golden Globe Race 2018 on an indigenously built sailing vessel ‘Thuriya’ was dismasted and suffered a back injury yesterday.
He is in the south Indian Ocean, approximately 1900 nautical miles from Perth, Australia and 2700 nm  from Cape Comorin .
The Australian Rescue Coordination Centre at Canberra is coordinating the rescue mission in conjunction with many agencies including the Australian Defence Department and the Indian Navy.
Commander Abhilash Tomy's boat Thuriya, was dismasted in extremely rough weather and sea condition, with wind speeds of 130 kmph and 10 metre high waves. He was in 3rd position, out of 11 international participants, and has sailed over 10,500 nautical miles in the last 84 days; since commencement of the race on 01 Jul 2018.
All out efforts are being made to rescue Commander Abhilash Tomy.
Indian Naval stealth frigate, INS Satpura with a Chetak Helicopter and tanker INS Jyoti mission deployed/operating in the Indian Ocean have been dispatched for the rescue mission.
Tomy, in his last message via Sat Phone has indicated that he is safe on the boat, however is immobile due to back injury.
Ministry of Education
WORKSHOP ON “PORT SECURITY: CHALLENGES AND RESPONSES”
The School of Integrated Coastal and Maritime Security Studies  has taken initiative in organizing a three-day workshop on Port Security Challenges and Response jointly organized by SICMSS, Rashtriya Raksha University and Indian register of Shipping Class Academy from 20 September 2023 through 22 September 2023.
The keynote address of the workshop was by Dr. Prabhakaran Paleri, Chief Mentor, SICMSS and former DG Indian Coast Guard wherein he emphasized the importance of Port Security and need of these kinds of workshops. The keynote address by Mr. Amit Bhatnagar, Senior Principal Surveyor & Vice President Head IRClass Academy explained about the early trade trends in India during 13th century leading to recent developments and how the workshop is of use to Port personnels.
The inaugural address by Dr. Bimal N Patel, Vice Chancellor, Rashtriya Raksha University detailed on recent issues such as mass migration, sea level rise and oldest ports being converted into museums and not being revived for economic benefits. The sustaining of port infrastructure is the need as the G20 trade Agreement between Saudi Arabia and India requires the benefit of asset creation, manpower and revival. The school has the potential to make changes and channelize by “Power of Idea and Commitment”. The ISPS trained professionals will be the future of redevelopment and security assessments in future.
The participants and stakeholders of the workshop are security officers, captains and from other profiles from different ports in India and abroad. The purpose of this workshop is to cover topics such as Maritime Security regime, Contingency Planning, drugs and Narcotics, Security Assessment and Plan, Ship Security and Administration, Security Training and Port Cyber Security throughout the three day sessions.
The workshop will focus on challenges such as Piracy and Armed Robbery, Threat Identification etc, Drug Trafficking Routes in Indian Ocean, Port Facility Security, Security Action, Drills and Exercises, Citadel, Security Equipment and Systems and Introduction with Types of Cyber Assets along with Risk Management Methodology.
This workshop will come out as an enriching experience for the participants and the stakeholders in the maritime domain for the future.
About Rashtriya Raksha University:
Rashtriya Raksha University is a premier institution dedicated to education, research, training, and consultancy in the field of national security and defense studies. Established in 2020, the university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes in various disciplines related to national security. With its state-of-the-art facilities and experienced faculty, Rashtriya Raksha University aims to develop competent professionals capable of addressing contemporary challenges in defense and security management.
CB/GP/JD
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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on Novel Coronavirus : New Travel Advisory
In view of the evolving situation related to COVID-19 being reported from other countries, besides the travel advisories already issued by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, following additional directions are issued:
- Indians are advised to refrain from non-essential travel to Republic of Korea, Iran and Italy.
- People coming from Republic of Korea, Iran and Italy or having such travel history since 10th February 2020 may be quarantined for 14 days on arrival to India.
- For any technical queries, may contact on 247 Health ministry Control Room helpline number +91-11-23978046 or email at ncov2019[at]gmail[dot]com.
Prime Minister's Office
English translation of the Prime Minister’s opening remarks at QUAD
President Biden!
Prime Minister Morrison!
Prime Minister Suga!
Thank you very much President Biden for the historic initiative for organizing the first Physical QUAD Summit.
We four countries first came together to help out the Indo-Pacific region after the 2004 tsunami.
Today, when the world is fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, as QUAD, we have once again joined hands together in the interest of humanity.
Our QUAD vaccine initiative will be of immense help to Indo-Pacific countries. Based on its shared democratic values, QUAD has decided to move forward with positive thinking and positive approach.
Whether it is supply chain, or global security, climate action or Covid-19 or cooperation in technology, I will be very happy to discuss all these issues with my colleagues.
Our QUAD will work in a way in the role of "force for global good."
I am confident that our cooperation in QUAD will ensure peace and prosperity in Indo-Pacific and in the world.
Thank you!
DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister’s remarks. Original remarks were delivered in Hindi.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Government to substantially increase the daily supply of onions from its buffer stock held with NAFED
The Department of Consumers Affairs today reviewed the prices of Essential Commodities such as Onions, Pulses and Oilseeds with all the stakeholders under the chairmanship of Secretary Consumer Affairs, Shri Avinash K Srivastava. The committeedecided to substantially increase the daily supply of onions from government buffer to Delhi and directed NAFED to release the stock from PSF buffer so as to ensure improved availability at reasonable rates. The committee took note of the fact thatimport of onion is free  and currently there is sufficient stock of onions available in the government buffer. Supply of onions can be further enhanced if the need so arises.
Police representatives from Delhi and various States around Delhi were also present at the meeting and they were asked to hold regular meetings to ensure seamless check on hoarding in Delhi-NCR specifically and in their respective States generally. Police officials from all States neighboring Delhi were also asked to share the data available with them on hoarders and profiteers for more effective inter-State enforcement.The Committee directed the police officials from the neighboring States to check the entry points around Delhi-NCR thoroughly so as to ensure that supplies ae not held up at the border to create artificial shortage.
Ministry of Power
Power Minister addresses energy industry under US India Strategic Partnership Forum
The Union Minister of Power, New & Renewable Energy, Sh. R. K. Singh addressed the US India Strategic Partnership Forum and industry leaders, in a Virtual Energy Industry Roundtable, today here. Shri Singh apprised about the Government of India's priorities for the energy sector as the ministry begins to work on Hon'ble Prime Minister’s vision of energy independence by 2047.
The Minister said that India and USA have similar goals and share the same zeal towards climate change issues. We want to have a partnership which can be an inspiration to the rest of the world on the fight towards mitigating climate change. The industry plays a critical role in this partnership.
Shri Singh observed that India has set an ambitious target of having 175 GW capacity of RE by 2022 and 450 GW RE capacity by 2030. India has reached 100 GW in Installed Solar and Wind Capacity and after adding Hydro capacity also, the total installed renewable capacity is 146 MW. Further, 63 GW of renewable capacity is under construction which makes India one of the fastest growing economies in terms of renewable capacity addition.
Talking about India's vision on using Hydrogen as an energy use, India would be conducting competitive bids for green hydrogen in next 3-4 months to pave the road for viable usage of hydrogen as a fuel.
About the efforts of Indian Government in encouraging storage capacity Shri Singh said that to further support the integration of large renewable capacity, we have been working continuously to increase our Pumped Hydro Storage Capacity. In the near future, India will have bids to invite global and domestic manufacturers for developing battery storage in India on the cards. India will soon have bids for 4000 MWhr BESS bids and later will take up 12 GWhr project in Ladakh. He further added that the world needs to come up with more number of eletrolyzers, battery storage facilities, etc to bring economies of scale in these technologies and make these commercially viable. Only then, we will be able to truly shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
His address was followed by discussion with Industry Participants, moderated by Mr. Nolty Theriot, Senior Vice President – USISPF. The interaction is significant in light of the recently concluded US-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership  dialogue and the achievement of the GW renewable energy capacity addition milestone. Additionally, the interaction provided platform for the private sector to give inputs on how energy cooperation between the US and India can support sustainable development, technology development & infrastructure development and facilitate investments to create opportunities for businesses and people, while being mindful of the need to create low carbon pathways.
Ministry of Textiles
Centre to set up 10 more Handloom Design Resource Centres,
Centres to come up at Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kannur, Indore, Nagpur, Meerut, Bhagalpur and Panipat ,
Ministry of Textiles is building the handloom ecosystem
In order to promote Handlooms in a big way, Ministry of Textiles has undertaken many new initiatives.
10 more Design Resource Centres  are in the process of being set up by National Institute of Fashion Technology  at Weavers’ Service Centres  of Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kannur, Indore, Nagpur, Meerut, Bhagalpur and Panipat with the objective to build and create design-oriented excellence in the Handloom Sector and to facilitate weavers, exporters, manufacturers and designers access design repositories for sample/product improvisation and development. Ministry has roped in NIFT keeping in view the fact that it is an inhouse organization of MoT, of which Handloom also is a part, and also the expertise of NIFT in fashion and design trends which can be utilized by Handloom Sector for greater market linkage. DRCs are being established by NIFT in all WSCs in a phased manner, wherein vast inventory of designs and resources will be available for use by exporters, Manufacturers, Designers, Weavers and other stake holders.
DRCs have been set up and inaugurated in WSCs of Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneshwar, Guwahati, Jaipur and Varanasi. The eighth DRC at Kancheepuram was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Minister of Textiles on National Handloom Day, August 07 2021.
Initially, Handloom Design Centres at Mumbai, Chennai and Varanasi were set up in 1956. Activities of these Design Centres later expanded to cover other aspects of handloom textiles, which were then Re-designated as the Weavers’ Service Centres . Over a period of time each of the Weavers’ Service Centres accumulated a large number of handloom designs and samples. Meanwhile efforts were made to engage designers of repute and attach them to individual weaver clusters to contribute towards design innovation, training and improve marketability of the handloom products. MoUs were signed with several designers. But the effort met with limited success and after some time fully lost impetus. This led to the concept of having an inhouse design repository where both contributors and beneficiaries can have a common place to share designs, even though in an indirect fashion. NIFT was entrusted with the responsibility of setting up DRCs in all the WSCs in a phased manner.
Set up in 1986, NIFT is the pioneering institute of fashion education in the country and has been in the frontline of providing professional human resource to the textile and apparel industry. Over the years NIFT, with its 17 campuses in different parts of the country has been working as a knowledge service provider in the area of design development and positioning of handlooms and handicrafts.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
SUPPORT TO WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS AND MSMEs DURING COVID-19
The Government has taken several initiatives to support and protect the interest of women entrepreneurs and MSME through stimulus given under Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Packages to combat the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in India. The packages comprise of schemes having impact across various sectors of the economy. The review of the progress made in implementation of the stimulus package announced under Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Packages is done regularly. The specific initiatives taken to protect women entrepreneurs and MSMEs during covid-19 are as under:
- Rs. 3 lakh crore Emergency Working Capital Facility for Businesses, including MSMEs.
- Rs. 20,000 crore Subordinate Debt for Stressed MSMEs.
- Rs. 50,000 crore equity infusion through MSME Fund of Funds.
- New Definition of MSME and other Measures for MSME.
- Rs. 10,000 crore scheme for formalisation of Micro Food Enterprises 
- Relief of Rs. 1500 crore to MUDRA loanees.
- Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs, businesses, MUDRA borrowers and individuals.
- Rs. 5000 crore Credit facility for Street Vendors.
- Under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package, a total of 20.40 crores  women account holders  were given an ex-gratia of Rs 500 per month for three months.
- For Self-Help groups, limit of collateral free lending was increased from Rs. 10 lakhs to Rs. 20 lakhs for women organized through 63 lakh Self Help Groups , who supported 6.85 crore households.
The Atma Nirbhar Bharat Package is reviewed and monitored by Ministry of Finance. The assessment or consultations with stakeholders regarding the financial impact of COVID-19 on women entrepreneurs and MSMEs run by women SHGs are the mandated functions of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and the Ministry of Rural Development.
This information was given by the Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.